Articles tagged with Obstetrics
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
A recent study found that US women's healthcare providers became more politically engaged following the Dobbs decision, with a significant increase in voter turnout compared to other physicians. The research suggests that the shift was driven by the direct impact of the policy change on their work and patients' lives.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
A Stanford Medicine study found that pregnant women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum face higher risks for preterm birth, anemia, smaller babies, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. The study also showed that hospitalization for HG can flag a pregnancy as being at higher risk for serious complications.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.
A new study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a common sexually transmitted infection, is not linked to an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth. Researchers tested nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications and found no ass...
A new study found that demand for abortion and miscarriage hotlines increased by double digits before the Dobbs decision, with states later enacting abortion bans seeing a significant surge. The hotline saw a 210% spike in use from June 2022 to June 2023.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
The Mount Sinai Health System has opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, which brings together multidisciplinary clinical expertise, structured care pathways, and leading-edge research to deliver personalized, comprehensive care for women. The Center offers guided multi-visit experiences and coordinated care o...
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that state-level abortion bans in the US are associated with a reduction in evidence-based medical care for miscarriage management. This has led to more women waiting longer for treatment and fewer choices, potentially putting their health and fertility at risk.
Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications account for 20-30% of maternal deaths in the US. Researchers analyzed claims data to find that underlying cardiovascular risk drives these events, rather than older age. This may encourage doctors to address cardiovascular health before pregnancy.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to half of all women, causing incontinence and chronic pain. A new survey reveals one in three women suffer in silence due to common misconceptions about the condition.
A large multicenter retrospective study found that stable gestational glucose levels and minimal fluctuations increase the likelihood of low pre-eclampsia risk. The study's key findings suggest that blood glucose management is crucial for preventing pre-eclampsia, particularly in pregnant women with no pre-pregnancy chronic conditions.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.
Researchers present findings on sociodemographic disparities in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, highlighting the need for better characterization and management of these conditions. Dr. Basma S. Faris discusses reframing PCOS as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal care.
Researchers identified ten previously unknown symptoms strongly associated with eclampsia, including twitching and impaired speech. These symptoms were rare among women without seizures but frequently occurred before an episode, increasing the risk of seizures.
The Yōni.Fit device is FDA-cleared for temporary management of stress urinary incontinence and also collects menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge. Clinical trials show a 96% clinically significant reduction in SUI bladder leaks.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that infants whose mothers received buprenorphine during pregnancy had better health outcomes than those exposed to methadone. Another follow-up study by Stanford Medicine and Harvard University teams discovered similar rates of neurodevelopmental disorders among childr...
A new study found that pregnancy-related deaths increased sharply during the pandemic, particularly among Black women, but rates have since returned to pre-pandemic levels for most groups. However, disparities persist, especially in later postpartum deaths, which remain elevated for non-Hispanic Black mothers.
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Access to hospital-based obstetric care declined across the US as hospitals closed labor and delivery units between 2010-2021. Rural communities were hit hardest, with access dropping by over 50% in some areas.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
A study from the Ragon Institute reveals how a live bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. The therapy, LACTIN-V, was found to successfully colonize the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus in 30% of women, leading to improved vaginal health.
Dr. Emily Lukacz has been named the 2026 President of American Urogynecologic Society, a prestigious position that recognizes her innovative leadership in the complex field of urogynecology. As president, she aims to streamline treatment by educating primary care providers and allied health professionals.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
A data analysis found that maternal deaths increased by 11% in US aid-dependent countries during Republican administrations, eroding a fifth of the global decline in maternal deaths since 1985. The policy, which restricts family planning services, is associated with a 10.5% increase in maternal deaths.
Researchers found that mild hypoxia in preterm babies can compromise neural communication, impacting the hippocampus region responsible for memory and learning. Abnormal neuronal maturation and loss of synaptic function may lead to academic difficulties and behavioral concerns later in life.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released the first evidence-based clinical guidance for cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. The guidance aims to support both maternal health and pregnancy goals, while also prioritizing effective cancer therapy and fetal well-being.
A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.
A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.
A new study reveals the experiences of people traveling to Illinois for abortion care after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision. The study found that delays were common, with participants waiting an average of a month for care, and that abortion stigma, information, and resource availability are major...
Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.
Delivery Date AI technology has received FDA De Novo clearance for its predictive capabilities on delivering babies using ultrasound imaging. The technology provides real-time insights into fetal development and delivery timing, aiding clinical decision-making in pregnancies where traditional dating methods are unreliable.
A study found that Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws significantly reduced the supply of obstetricians and gynecologists, particularly older and newly trained doctors. This led to a decline in more than 2 obstetrician-gynecologists per 100,000 females aged 15–44 years.
A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
New research shows that Rytvela, an anti-inflammatory drug candidate, decreases premature birth and infant mortality when administered after the onset of preterm labor in a preclinical mouse model. The treatment prolongs gestation and fetal growth while allowing newborn organs to develop in utero.
A new study from University of Liverpool and King's College London recommends a personalized and tiered model of postnatal care, considering convenience, individual preference, and clinical concerns. Women value virtual care for its convenience but emphasize the need for physical examinations in certain situations.
A nationwide study found that periods can trigger severe pain in many women and girls with sickle cell disease, leading to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study's authors recommend a routine menstrual history screening as part of annual sickle cell care and connecting patients with reproductive health specialists.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that early hydrocortisone treatment increases the chance of surviving without lung disease for extremely premature babies. The treatment is safe and does not increase serious side effects.
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.
A new study found that warmer nighttime temperatures during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of autism diagnosis in children. Exposure to extreme heat during early and late pregnancy increased the risk by 15% and 13%, respectively.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed an AI-assisted tool to diagnose severe congenital heart defects from fetal scans with high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, a machine learning model can predict placenta accreta spectrum based on preconception data, identifying novel predictors like anemia.
A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.
Research found that states with five or more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence compared to those with fewer restrictions. Abortion is a medically safe procedure, and restricting access to it has real consequences, according to the study.
Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
A nationwide Finnish registry-based study found no increased risk of pre- or postmenopausal breast cancer among women with a history of induced abortion or miscarriage. Breast cancer risks were similar regardless of the number of abortions or miscarriages, as well as the time of first abortion or miscarriage.
A new study found that the Baby2Home smartphone app significantly reduced symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in first-time mothers, improving overall health and parenting confidence. The app provided personalized educational information, infant care trackers, and mental health self-management tools.
The new clinic brings advanced OB/GYN services to the Southland, addressing longstanding gaps in complex maternal and women's healthcare. It offers cervical cancer screening, contraception, minimally invasive surgery for conditions like fibroids and endometriosis, and high-risk pregnancy care.
A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.
A quarter of pregnant patients suffering stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed due to overlooked warning signs, according to a new study. The researchers highlight the need for better clinician education and decision-support tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant women to protect their newborns, while a monoclonal antibody injection is also available for high-risk infants. Most experts agree that RSV immunizations should be recommended for these groups due to the severity of the illness they can cause.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Researchers concluded that previously reported links may be due to genetic predisposition or maternal factors rather than the medication itself.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of preterm delivery, smaller babies, and gestational diabetes. The research used Mendelian randomization to assess the link between maternal blood pressure and 24 adverse pregnancy outcomes, revealing clear causal effects.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that states with abortion restrictions have worse maternal health outcomes for patients using fertility treatment. The research analyzed over 400,000 births conceived through fertility treatments and found a statistically significant increase in serious maternal health complications.